Tariffs have been around for centuries, but in today's global economy, they've taken on new weight - and they're back in the spotlight with a fresh wave of U.S. tariff announcements on April 2, 2025.
Whether you’re managing materials for a construction project, running a dealership, or overseeing manufacturing operations, tariffs can affect your costs, timelines, and bottom line more than you might expect.
Let’s break down what tariffs are, why they exist, and what they mean for your business.
At its core, a tariff is a tax on imported goods. When the U.S. puts a tariff on, say, imported steel or semiconductors, it means businesses importing those products will pay extra at the border.
Governments implement tariffs to:
While these goals may make sense strategically, they come with trade-offs - especially for companies that rely on global supply chains.
Most of our readers are from these distinct groups, so we've broken down some ways tariffs can impact different types of businesses.
Let’s say you’re a manufacturer sourcing machine parts from Asia. A new tariff hits those components. Suddenly, your cost-per-unit jumps 10–25%. That extra expense doesn’t disappear. It either eats into your margins or gets passed along to your customers.
Example: U.S. manufacturers that rely on imported aluminum for production saw cost increases during past tariff rounds. That meant higher prices on everything from beverage cans to automotive parts—and in some cases, production slowdowns due to sourcing delays.
Distributors of imported consumer goods, like electronics or tools, may face:
However, it’s important to note that tariffs can sometimes offer a boost to domestic manufacturers. By raising the price of imported goods, tariffs can make locally-produced products more competitive, potentially helping local businesses to grow and hire more workers.
Tariffs on essential construction materials, like steel, aluminum, and lumber, can create cost pressures for contractors.
For example, when tariffs were implemented on steel imports in 2018, many construction firms saw increased costs on their structural components. These additional costs can trickle down to homeowners and developers, causing higher overall project prices.
Example: A construction company that regularly sources steel for commercial projects could experience a noticeable rise in material costs due to tariffs. The increased cost of steel components adds significant pressure on the company’s profit margins, forcing them to either raise prices for their clients or absorb the cost, ultimately leading to tighter budgets and longer project timelines.
Tariffs can lead to:
That said, tariffs on imports can also give an edge to domestic suppliers. For example, U.S.-based steel manufacturers may see an increase in demand for their products due to the higher costs of imported steel, which can lead to more jobs and greater production capabilities within the country.
Auto dealers operate in a delicate balance of pricing, inventory, and customer demand. Tariffs on imported vehicles or parts can throw that balance off quickly.
Example: A dealership selling foreign-brand vehicles may face tariffs that raise wholesale costs. They either bump up sticker prices or cut into profit margins—neither ideal. And if tariffs hit parts? That can slow down repairs and frustrate customers.
Dealerships might respond by:
While nonprofits don’t typically import goods in the same way businesses do, tariffs can still pack a punch in unexpected places.
Groups providing laptops, tablets, or tech access may struggle if tariffs hit electronics. It could mean fewer devices for students, delays in launching programs, or higher fundraising goals just to maintain impact.
Organizations that rely on imported medical supplies—like PPE, diagnostic equipment, or even pharmaceuticals—can feel the pressure when tariffs drive up costs. That means less bang for your donor buck and potentially fewer resources to serve patients.
Example: A nonprofit health clinic that orders bulk medical gloves from overseas could see their price per box increase due to a new tariff. Multiply that across thousands of patients, and it’s a real impact on service delivery.
At the same time, tariffs may indirectly help nonprofit sectors that rely on local production, such as food banks or community-based organizations that support domestic farmers. If domestic goods become cheaper due to reduced reliance on imports, nonprofits can benefit from more affordable materials for their programs.
Even if your business doesn’t import products directly, you’ll feel the ripple effect.
When businesses pay more due to tariffs, those costs are often passed on to the customer. This can look like:
Tariffs can also cause:
However, there are instances where tariffs may help consumers in the long run, particularly if they encourage the growth of domestic industries. By protecting local producers, tariffs could lead to more domestic production and job creation, ultimately benefiting the economy and increasing consumers' purchasing power over time.
Tariffs can disrupt supply chains, inflate costs, and force businesses to rethink strategy. However, they also present opportunities for growth and innovation, particularly for domestic industries. By leveraging strategic planning, diversifying suppliers, and embracing new technologies, businesses can mitigate the impact of tariffs and turn challenges into advantages.
With the right planning and a proactive approach, you can minimize risk, stay ahead of the curve, and even discover new opportunities for profitability in a changing market.